Cards activate Molina from DL

St. Louis, MO (SportsNetwork.com) - The St. Louis Cardinals activated catcher Yadier Molina from the 15-day disabled list prior to Friday's game against the Chicago Cubs.

Molina suffered a torn ligament in his right thumb while sliding into third base on July 9 in a win against Pittsburgh. He underwent surgery to repair the ligament on July 11. The 32-yard-old has batted .287 with seven home runs and 30 RBI in 83 games this season.

St. Louis optioned catcher Tony Cruz to Double-A Springfield to make room for Molina on the active roster.

In addition, the club announced that left-handed pitcher Marco Gonzales will be recalled from Triple-A Memphis to start the nightcap of Saturday's doubleheader.

Gonzales, who has pitched at four different levels this season, will make his fourth start for St. Louis.